Pope working on book and encyclical during vacation

Valle d'Aosta, Italy, Jul 18, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).-
According
to several Vatican sources who are following the trip of the Pope to
the region of Les Combes, in the northern Alps of Italy, the Pope is
working on a book considering the theology of the person of Christ as
well as a future encyclical on the importance of human labor.

Last Sunday the Vatican Television Center released a few images of the Pope’s activities in these days, including a moment of study in the Salesian residence in Les Combes.

According to Salvatore Mazza, special correspondent for the Italian daily Avvenire, “It seems that, among other things, he has in his hands the book which he was writing before being elected to succeed John Paul II...a theological text.”

The book, according to other sources close to the Vatican, will consider Christ and his relation to the human race, as well as the relationship between Christianity and the other world religions.

Another work that may be occupying the Pontiff’s time prior his trip to Germany in September, is a new social encyclical centered on the value of human work.

The previously noted sources speculate that the work may take the name, “Labor Domini,” or, “The Work of the Lord.” The encyclical is to speak about a Christian view of human labor, of the importance of work in society, and of work as a human necessity and duty.

According to the Bishop of Aosta, Bishop Giuseppe Anfossi, speaking with the Holy Father during his visit, has been extremely simple and it seems, the bishop said, as if that is his nature. “Also, he is totally attentive to everyone when speaking.”

The prelate related to Vatican Radio a story, “of a very personal nature:” “As soon as he got into the car for ride from the airport to the house, the first words that Pope XVI Benedict said to me were requesting news of my mother's health. Frankly I didn’t expect so much attentiveness", Bishop Anfossi said.